The 50-year-old has been directly involved in more than 100 homicide investigations since 2000. He is taking a position in Stanislaus County.

The departure is a bitter necessity for Rodriguez, an employee of the department since 1992 who cites recent cuts to pay and benefits as the factor driving him away.

“I don't want to lose any more,” he said. “I've taken a 25 percent pay cut and seen my retirement benefits go away. A lot of the people who are leaving aren't leaving because of the pay cut as much as they are the reduced medical benefits for their families.”

But rather dwell on why he's leaving, Rodriguez prefers to focus on the work about which he is passionate.